Pixelgen Technologies and Andreas Lundqvist’s Research Group at Karolinska Institutet Collaborate to Identify Novel Biomarkers for Cancer Immunotherapy

On March 17, 2026 Pixelgen Technologies reported a research collaboration with Andreas Lundqvist’s Group at the Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, to discover novel biomarkers for cancer immunotherapy response using Pixelgen’s Proximity Network Assay (PNA). The project will explore the spatial distribution and abundance of more than 150 cell surface proteins in patients with non-small lung cancer who undergo immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

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"Pixelgen’s Proximity Network Assay has the potential to bring new insights into the organization and interactions of cell surface proteins, which could aid in the discovery of new biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibition response and consequently inform treatment regimens for patients," Prof. Andreas Lundqvist said. "While other tools provide protein abundance analysis, Pixelgen’s PNA brings a new dimension of understanding to the spatial organization and interactions of cell surface proteins that may prove useful for patient stratification."

The collaboration combines the tumor immunology and biology expertise from Prof. Lundqvist’s group and Pixelgen’s technology and experience in cell surface protein interactomics. The team aims to submit results from the project to a scientific journal for peer-reviewed publication, and the research will lay the groundwork for future collaborations.

"We’re very excited to embark on this collaboration with Prof. Lundqvist’s group, which has made significant contributions to tumor immunology, particularly in the areas of immune escape and advancing cell-based therapeutic approaches," said Pixelgen Chief Business Development Officer Erik Pettersson. "Our hope is that this research will contribute to the understanding of the role single-cell protein interactions have in disease, identify biomarkers for immunotherapy response, and ultimately lead to the development of improved immunotherapies for cancer patients."

Pixelgen’s PNA delivers nanoscale spatial analysis of immune cell proteins at scale, as part of the company’s Pixelgen Proxiome Kit. The technology is used by researchers looking for new avenues for drug and biomarker discovery and diagnostics in immunology, immuno-oncology, hematology, and cell therapy.

(Press release, Karolinska Institutet, MAR 17, 2026, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pixelgen-technologies-and-andreas-lundqvists-research-group-at-karolinska-institutet-collaborate-to-identify-novel-biomarkers-for-cancer-immunotherapy-302715490.html [SID1234663636])

Whitehawk Therapeutics to Highlight its Next-Generation ADC Portfolio at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026

On March 17, 2026 Whitehawk Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: WHWK), a clinical-stage oncology therapeutics company applying advanced technologies to established tumor biology to efficiently deliver improved antibody drug conjugate (ADC) cancer treatments, reported it will present three preclinical abstracts, including an oral minisymposium and two posters, highlighting its next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) portfolio at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026, taking place April 17–22, 2026, in San Diego, CA.

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"For the first time, we will present comprehensive preclinical proof-of-concept for our three ADC programs, HWK-007, HWK-016 and HWK-206," said David Dornan, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of Whitehawk Therapeutics. "These data will highlight the optimized ADC design features aimed at delivering a differentiated ADC profile with the goal of improving outcomes for cancer patients."

Whitehawk’s comprehensive preclinical abstracts demonstrate a potential best-in-class therapeutic index among next-generation TOP1i-based ADCs. These data showed high potency with tumor regressions in xenograft studies at low single-digit mg/kg doses, and in non-human primate studies, Whitehawk’s ADCs demonstrated a high tolerability with a highest non-severely toxic dose (HNSTD) of 60 mg/kg. Underpinning these results is one of the lowest reported free payload in circulation, driven by Whitehawk’s proprietary "carbon-bridge cysteine repairing" linker-payload.

Presentation details:

HWK-016 – MUC16-Targeted ADC (Minisymposium Oral Presentation)
Title: Preclinical assessment of HWK-016, a next-generation, MUC16-targeting ADC with novel bioconjugation and linker–payload technology
Presenter: David Dornan, PhD, CSO, Whitehawk Therapeutics
Session: Advanced Antibody, Conjugate, and Targeted Therapeutic Platforms
Presentation Number: 1324
Date & Time: April 19, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 pm

HWK-007 – PTK7-Targeted ADC (Poster Presentation)
Title: Preclinical assessment of HWK-007, a next-generation, PTK7-targeting ADC with novel bioconjugation and linker–payload technology
Presenter: Kathleen S. Keegan, PhD, VP of R&D, Whitehawk Therapeutics
Section 12: Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Linker Engineering 3
Poster Number: 4439
Date & Time: April 21, 2026, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

HWK-206 – SEZ6-Targeted ADC (Poster Presentation)
Title: Preclinical assessment of HWK-206, a next-generation, biparatopic, SEZ6-targeting ADC with novel bioconjugation and linker–payload technology
Presenter: Kathleen S. Keegan, PhD, VP of R&D, Whitehawk Therapeutics
Section 12: Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Linker Engineering 3
Poster Number: 4440
Date & Time: April 21, 2026, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

These abstracts are currently available on the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2026 meeting website, and the presentation and posters will be accessible on the Presentations page of the Investors & News section of the Company’s website at www.whitehawktx.com.

(Press release, Whitehawk Therapeutics, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663635])

Nuvation Bio to Present Pivotal IBTROZI® (Taletrectinib) Data in TKI-Naïve and TKI-Pretreated Patients with Advanced ROS1-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer at AACR 2026

On March 17, 2026 Nuvation Bio Inc. (NYSE: NUVB), a global oncology company focused on tackling some of the toughest challenges in cancer treatment, reported that new data will be presented at the upcoming American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026 taking place April 17–22, 2026, in San Diego, California. These data include updated results from the TRUST-I and TRUST-II clinical studies highlighting the efficacy and safety of IBTROZI (taletrectinib) for the treatment of ROS1-positive (ROS1+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in both tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-naïve and TKI-pretreated patients with ROS1+ NSCLC. The data to be presented represent nearly an additional year of follow-up from the data that supported IBTROZI’s line-agnostic FDA approval in June 2025.

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"We’re excited to present even longer-term follow-up data from our pivotal trials for IBTROZI, which further reinforce the depth and durability of responses in patients with advanced ROS1+ NSCLC across lines of therapy," said David Hung, M.D., Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nuvation Bio. "In particular, with a median duration of response (DOR) now exceeding four years in TKI-naïve patients, these data continue to highlight IBTROZI’s sustained and clinically meaningful benefit for patients with a manageable safety profile."

Oral Presentation Overview:
Title: Taletrectinib in tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-naïve patients with ROS1+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Updated data from TRUST-I and TRUST-II
Presenter: Lyudmila Bazhenova, M.D., Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego
Session Category: Advances in Precision Oncology
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Session Time: 2:30-4:30 p.m. PST
Abstract Number: #CT300

Poster Presentations Overview:
Title: Taletrectinib in tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-pretreated patients with ROS1+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Updated data from TRUST-I and TRUST-II
Presenter: Geoffrey Liu, M.Sc., M.D., Professor, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Temerty School of Medicine, University of Toronto
Session Title: Phase II Clinical Trials
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Session Time: 2:00-5:00 p.m. PST
Poster Board Number: 9
Abstract Number: #CT244

Title: Taletrectinib, a next-generation selective ROS1 inhibitor, demonstrates a differentiated profile in ROS1 fusion models
Presenter: Hitisha Patel, Ph.D., Senior Director of Research, Nuvation Bio
Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics
Session Title: Tyrosine Kinase, Phosphatase, and Other Inhibitors
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Session Time: 2:00-5:00 p.m. PST
Poster Board Number: 2
Abstract Number: #5864

The materials will be made available in the Publications section of Nuvation Bio’s website after the sessions. To learn more about Nuvation Bio, visit Booth #4459 at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting.

About ROS1+ NSCLC
Each year, more than one million people globally are diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of lung cancer. It is estimated that approximately 2% of patients with NSCLC have ROS1+ disease. About 35% of patients newly diagnosed with metastatic ROS1+ NSCLC have tumors that have spread to their brain. The brain is also the most common site of disease progression, with about 50% of previously treated patients developing central nervous system (CNS) metastases.

About IBTROZI
IBTROZI is an oral, potent, CNS-active, selective, next-generation ROS1 inhibitor therapy. On June 11, 2025, following Priority Review and Breakthrough Therapy designations for both TKI-naive and TKI-pretreated disease, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved taletrectinib for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1+ NSCLC. Learn more about taletrectinib in the U.S. at IBTROZI.com.

About the TRUST Clinical Program
The TRUST clinical program comprises three registrational studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of IBTROZI. TRUST-I (NCT04395677) and TRUST-II (NCT04919811) are Phase 2 single-arm studies evaluating IBTROZI for the treatment of adults with advanced ROS1+ NSCLC in China (N=173) and globally (N=189), respectively. The primary endpoint of both studies is confirmed objective response rate (cORR) as assessed by an independent review committee. TRUST-IV (NCT07154706) is a Phase 3 placebo-controlled study evaluating IBTROZI for the adjuvant treatment of adults with resected early-stage ROS1+ NSCLC. The study will enroll approximately 180 patients in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and China. The primary endpoint is disease-free survival as determined by investigator, and the primary completion date is estimated to be in 2030. Nuvation Bio is also sponsoring TRUST-III (NCT06564324), a confirmatory randomized Phase 3 study evaluating IBTROZI versus crizotinib in 138 patients in China with advanced ROS1+ NSCLC who have not previously received ROS1 TKIs.

U.S. Indication
IBTROZI is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR IBTROZI (taletrectinib)

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hepatotoxicity: Hepatotoxicity, including drug-induced liver injury and fatal adverse reactions, can occur. 88% of patients experienced increased AST, including 10% Grade 3/4. 85% of patients experienced increased ALT, including 13% Grade 3/4. Fatal liver events occurred in 0.6% of patients. Median time to first onset of AST or ALT elevation was 15 days (range: 3 days to 20.8 months).

Increased AST or ALT each led to dose interruption in 7% of patients and dose reduction in 5% and 9% of patients, respectively. Permanent discontinuation was caused by increased AST, ALT, or bilirubin each in 0.3% and by hepatotoxicity in 0.6% of patients.

Concurrent elevations in AST or ALT ≥3 times the ULN and total bilirubin ≥2 times the ULN, with normal alkaline phosphatase, occurred in 0.6% of patients.

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis: Severe, life-threatening, or fatal ILD or pneumonitis can occur. ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 2.3% of patients, including 1.1% Grade 3/4. One fatal ILD case occurred at the 400 mg daily dose. Median time to first onset of ILD/pneumonitis was 3.8 months (range: 12 days to 11.8 months).

ILD/pneumonitis led to dose interruption in 1.1% of patients, dose reduction in 0.6% of patients, and permanent discontinuation in 0.6% of patients.

QTc Interval Prolongation: QTc interval prolongation can occur, which can increase the risk for ventricular tachyarrhythmias (e.g., torsades de pointes) or sudden death. IBTROZI prolongs the QTc interval in a concentration-dependent manner.

In patients who received IBTROZI and underwent at least one post baseline ECG, QTcF increase of >60 msec compared to baseline and QTcF >500 msec occurred in 13% and 2.6% of patients, respectively. 3.4% of patients experienced Grade ≥3. Median time from first dose of IBTROZI to onset of ECG QT prolongation was 22 days (range: 1 day to 38.7 months). Dose interruption and dose reduction each occurred in 2.8% of patients.

Significant QTc interval prolongation may occur when IBTROZI is taken with food, strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors, and/or drugs with a known potential to prolong QTc. Administer IBTROZI on an empty stomach. Avoid concomitant use with strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors and/or drugs with a known potential to prolong QTc.

Hyperuricemia: Hyperuricemia can occur and was reported in 14% of patients, with 16% of these requiring urate-lowering medication without pre-existing gout or hyperuricemia. 0.3% of patients experienced Grade ≥3. Median time to first onset was 2.1 months (range: 7 days to 35.8 months). Dose interruption occurred in 0.3% of patients.

Myalgia with Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevation: Myalgia with or without CPK elevation can occur. Myalgia occurred in 10% of patients. Median time to first onset was 11 days (range: 2 days to 10 months).

Concurrent myalgia with increased CPK within a 7-day time period occurred in 0.9% of patients. Dose interruption occurred in 0.3% of patients with myalgia and concurrent CPK elevation.

Skeletal Fractures: IBTROZI can increase the risk of fractures. ROS1 inhibitors as a class have been associated with skeletal fractures. 3.4% of patients experienced fractures, including 1.4% Grade 3. Some fractures occurred in the setting of a fall or other predisposing factors. Median time to first onset of fracture was 10.7 months (range: 26 days to 29.1 months). Dose interruption occurred in 0.3% of patients.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on literature, animal studies, and its mechanism of action, IBTROZI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
Among patients who received IBTROZI, the most frequently reported adverse reactions (≥20%) were diarrhea (64%), nausea (47%), vomiting (43%), dizziness (22%), rash (22%), constipation (21%), and fatigue (20%).

The most frequently reported Grade 3/4 laboratory abnormalities (≥5%) were increased ALT (13%), increased AST (10%), decreased neutrophils (5%), and increased creatine phosphokinase (5%).

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors/CYP3A Inducers and Drugs that Prolong the QTc Interval: Avoid concomitant use.
Gastric Acid Reducing Agents: Avoid concomitant use with PPIs and H2 receptor antagonists. If an acid-reducing agent cannot be avoided, administer locally acting antacids at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking IBTROZI.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Pregnancy: Please see important information in Warnings and Precautions under Embryo-Fetal Toxicity.
Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 3 weeks after the last dose.
Effect on Fertility: Based on findings in animals, IBTROZI may impair fertility in males and females. The effects on animal fertility were reversible.
Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of IBTROZI in pediatric patients has not been established.
Photosensitivity: IBTROZI can cause photosensitivity. Advise patients to minimize sun exposure and to use sun protection, including broad-spectrum sunscreen, during treatment and for at least 5 days after discontinuation.
Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information.

(Press release, Nuvation Bio, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663634])

Verismo Therapeutics to Present Novel Multi-chain KIR-CAR Data – Including Initial Clinical Trial Results for Lead Immuno-Oncology Candidates SynKIR™-110 and SynKIR™-310 – at AACR Annual Meeting 2026

On March 17, 2026 Verismo Therapeutics, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing a novel multi-chain KIR-CAR platform technology, reported its participation at the upcoming American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026, which will be held April 17-22 in San Diego, California. The company will present new clinical, preclinical, and translational KIR-CAR data in three separate presentations, supporting the advancement of Verismo’s lead pipeline candidates, SynKIR-110 for patients with advanced mesothelin-expressing solid tumors, such as ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and cholangiocarcinoma, and SynKIR-310 for patients with relapsed or refractory B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, as well as preclinical data from University of Pennsylvania collaborators reporting on a novel EGFR-targeted multi-chain KIR-CAR for treatment of glioblastomas.

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"These presentations at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2026 mark a defining moment in immuno-oncology as we transition from compelling preclinical evidence to first-in-human clinical data from our two lead KIR-CAR-based therapies," said Laura A. Johnson, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Verismo Therapeutics. "By moving beyond ‘always-on’ single-chain CAR T to multi-chain KIR-CAR science, we believe we may have the potential to overcome current CAR T therapy limitations to successfully treat patients with solid tumors and to improve clinical responses in patients with blood cancers."

Verismo’s presentations will include:

First clinical data to be released on SynKIR-110 KIR-CAR Phase 1 clinical trial for patients with advanced ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, or cholangiocarcinoma

An oral late-breaking presentation, highlighting the initial clinical results of SynKIR-110 multi-chain KIR-CAR T cell product investigated in STAR-101 Phase 1 Clinical Trial (NCT05568680)

Location: San Diego Convention Center

Abstract Presentation Number: CT104

Presentation Title: Initial results of a first-in-human dose-escalation study of KIR-CAR in patients with advanced mesothelin-expressing solid tumors

Presenting Author: Lead Clinical Investigator Janos L. Tanyi, M.D., Ph.D., Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Session Title: Clinical Trials Plenary 3: Cellular Therapies and Complex Immunotherapies
Session Time: 4/20/2026 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM PT
Preclinical and early clinical data to be released on SynKIR-310 for B cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

A poster presentation, highlighting the preclinical data and early clinical data from SynKIR-310 KIR-CAR T cell product investigated in CELESTIAL-301 Phase 1 Clinical Trial (NCT06544265)

Location: San Diego Convention Center, Poster Section 40
Poster Board Number: 11

Poster Number: 5193

Title: Novel SynKIR-310 outperforms CD3-based second-generation CD28 or 41BB co-stimulated CAR T in B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma xenograft mice and shows early clinical signal

Presenting Author: Megan Blair, Ph.D., Verismo Therapeutics

Session Category: Clinical Research
Session Title: Adoptive Cell Therapy 2
Session Time: 4/21/2026 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
First preclinical data to be released on EGFR-targeted multi-chain KIR-CAR T for Glioblastoma

A late-breaking poster presentation, highlighting preclinical data of EGFR-targeted KIR-CAR T cells supporting clinical translation

Location: San Diego Convention Center, Poster Section 53
Poster Board Number: 3

Abstract Presentation Number: LB138

Title: Natural killer cell-based signaling in EGFR-targeted KIR-CAR T overcomes CD3-based CAR T functional deficits to eliminate resistant glioblastomas in vivo

Presenting Author: Jun Xu, Ph.D., Verismo Therapeutics

Session Title: Late-Breaking Research: Immunology 2
Session Time: 4/20/2026 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT

(Press release, Verismo Therapeutics, MAR 17, 2026, View Source;including-initial-clinical-trial-results-for-lead-immuno-oncology-candidates-synkir-110-and-synkir-310–at-aacr-annual-meeting-2026-302716606.html [SID1234663633])

Senhwa Biosciences’ CX-5461 Enters the Field of Photodynamic Therapy, Opening a New Indication Strategy

On March 17, 2026 Senhwa Biosciences, Inc. (TPEx: 6492), a clinical stage company focusing on development of first-in-class therapeutics for oncology, rare diseases, and infectious diseases, reported that its first-in-class investigational drug Pidnarulex (CX-5461) has demonstrated a significant research breakthrough in the field of photodynamic therapy (PDT). The research findings have been selected for presentation at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper)—one of the world’s most influential conferences in oncology research—highlighting the innovation of the mechanism and its promising clinical development potential recognized by the international scientific community.

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In recent years, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has increasingly emerged as a promising cancer treatment strategy attracting strong interest from the global pharmaceutical industry. Several major pharmaceutical companies—including Novartis, AstraZeneca, and Roche—have actively invested in related research, acquisitions, and collaborations, exploring the integration of next-generation photosensitizers with photo-immunotherapy approaches.

The pre-clinical study shows that CX-5461 possesses photosensitizing properties. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, the compound generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative DNA damage and enhanced cancer cell death through both direct cytotoxicity and immune-mediated mechanisms. Under the same drug concentration conditions, cytotoxicity against cancer cells increased by approximately ten-fold.

Further investigation revealed that CX-5461’s binding to G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures works synergistically with light-induced ROS generation, significantly enhancing anti-tumor activity and prolonging survival. These findings suggest that, beyond its established anti-cancer mechanisms, CX-5461 also has the potential to be developed as a novel photosensitizer for photodynamic and novel photoimmuno-therapy.

This emerging therapeutic strategy could potentially be applied to superficial tumors, skin cancers, and other localized treatment settings, enabling a cross-indication cancer treatment approach and opening new clinical applications in oncology.

The AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting serves as a premier global platform for validating groundbreaking science and presenting first-in-class mechanisms of action. Research presented at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) frequently shapes future directions in biomedical innovation and often facilitates strategic collaborations, licensing agreements, and co-development opportunities with global pharmaceutical companies. Selection of this study for presentation further enhances the global visibility of CX-5461 in the field of innovative cancer therapeutics.

The research will be presented during the "Radiation and Photodynamic Therapy Response Modifiers" clinical research session at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2026 Annual Meeting. Jason Huang, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Senhwa Biosciences, and Kai‑Wei Hsueh, Ph.D., Associate Director of Clinical Research, will attend the conference and present the findings.

Photodynamic therapy is a medical technology that combines a photosensitizing agent with specific wavelengths of light to activate the compound and generate singlet oxygen or free radicals, selectively destroying diseased cells or tissues. It is widely considered a minimally invasive treatment modality with relatively low systemic toxicity. PDT has already been applied in a range of diseases, including skin cancers, head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and cervical cancer.

Market research also indicates continued growth in the global photodynamic therapy market. The oncology-focused PDT market was estimated at approximately USD 3.54 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.89 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7–8%. With the increasing demand for precision oncology and minimally invasive therapies, photodynamic therapy is emerging as a key area of interest for global pharmaceutical development.

Senhwa Biosciences stated that the newly identified mechanism and application of CX-5461 in photodynamic therapy further demonstrate the compound’s potential as a multi-platform innovative anti-cancer therapeutic. The company will continue advancing related research and clinical development while actively exploring international partnerships and licensing opportunities to accelerate the global development of next-generation cancer treatments.

(Press release, Senhwa Biosciences, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663632])